I tried to create an abstract yet dynamic feel. At the same time, I wanted to evoke the feeling of naturally growing aquatic plants.
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Eleocharis acicularis 'Mini' Lilaeopsis brasiliensis Echinodorus tenellus Cryptocoryne parva Hydrocotyle maritima Vesicularia antipyretica Microsorium tridend Bucephalandra Ludwigia arcuata Juncus repense Rotala green Rotala 'Vietnam H'ra' Rotala Wayanad Rotala big bear Grassula helmsii
For the first month, I changed more than 30% of the water every day, and after that, I did it about once a week.
A very powerful hardscape, but unfortunately covered by plants.
An Explosion of Plants and Colour By far the most tasteful and healthiest display of lush planting in this year’s competition. Here, a truly gifted master of plant cultivation has been at work. The plants have not only been carefully selected and positioned, but also combined and trimmed with such skill that extraordinary patterns of fine textures and colours have emerged. The viewer is truly spoiled. I find it hard to imagine anyone resisting the temptation to linger and enjoy the beauty of this exceptional planted aquarium. As for the hardscape, it is equally tasteful and skilfully arranged, yet personally, it leaves me rather cold. The opening between the plants and the driftwood lies somewhere between the two left-hand focal points and the centre of the layout. Clear directional lines to guide the eye are difficult to discern. At the back of this opening, the composition comes to an abrupt halt at a single layer of plants. Overall, the layout feels rather two-dimensional. That is not necessarily a weakness in itself, but in a field of hardscape-heavy entries, I found it difficult to give this work the ranking I felt it deserved. For much of the judging process, I wavered between fourth and fifth place. In the end, I ranked it sixth in my personal assessment. I cannot say with certainty that I am entirely comfortable with that decision. Perhaps my fellow judges will be able to offer some additional perspective and wisdom. In any case, I am deeply grateful for this outstanding work, and I would be delighted to see more from you in the future!
Since 1985 the Aquatic Gardeners Association has been the standalone organization focused on promoting aquatic plants, education, aquascaping, and fostering the community of planted aquarium enthusiasts.
Membership has its privileges—such as a subscription to the award-winning quarterly journal The Aquatic Gardener, available in both print and digital formats, access to the digital archive of all published issues as well as video from our convention speakers dating back 25 years. With more exciting projects on the horizon you’ll be part of a unique community of aquatic plant and aquascaping fans eager to expand our side of the aquarium hobby.